New Delhi: On July 29, 1999, Captain Vijayant Thapar was martyred during 'Operation Vijay', which was an Indian operation to push back infiltrators (Pakistani Army) in the Kargil War.
Every year 26 July is celebrated as Kargil Victory Day. The gallantry saga of martyr Captain Vijayant Thapar has been inspiring the youth ever since.
Vijayant at Kargil
In an exclusive interview with ETV BHARAT, Colonel VN Thapar, father of martyr Captain Vijayant Thapar shared some memories of late Vijayant Thapar.
Colonel V N Thapar said he has written a book titled 'Vijayant at Kargil' in memory of his son- covering his schooling, college, patriotism, and gallantry.
This book has been written after 20 years of painstaking work.
Colonel V N Thapar told ETV Bharat that his son is very much present with them. Though he would have departed from this world physically, his love for the country and the thoughts of him always remain with them, he said.
Last letter
Recalling the martyrdom of his son, he said about one and a half lakh people had come to Noida to pay homage to the martyred Captain Vijayant. The retired colonel also mentioned the letter of his martyr son in which he wrote, 'I have no regrets. In fact, If I become a human again, I will join the army and fight for my nation.'
Service to Nation Paramount
Late Captain Vijayant Thapar's father said that often people talk about their children who work in foreign countries, however, what is important is that what one does for one's own country.
He appealed the youth to stay in India and serve the country which is the paramount duty.
Captain Vijyant Thapar (Dec 26, 1976– June 29, 1999) was an Indian army officer and belonged to the famous 2 Rajputana Rifles (infantry regiment).
He was posthumously awarded India's high military honour, the Vir Chakra by the president, for his audacious bravery during the Kargil War.
He fell while leading an attack of 2 Rajputana Rifles at Tololing (Black Rocks -KNOLL) during the Kargil War on 29 June 1999.
He belonged to Noida, Uttar Pradesh and was 22 years old and was a fourth-generation officer in his family.
